India, June 27 -- The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has suspended the licence and operations of the city's only government-run standalone blood bank, Sir JJ Mahanagar Blood Bank, over alleged non-compliance with blood storage, handling and waste disposal protocols, the FDA said in a statement on Friday.

"Blood is a life-saving commodity and it is essential to maintain the highest standards of quality, safety and transparency in its collection, processing and distribution. The FDA will not tolerate any negligence or violation of rules related to the health of blood donors and patients," said FDA commissioner Tukaram Munde.

The blood bank was established in 2008 with the premises of Sir JJ Hospital, and it is governed by the State B...